Packaging Engineer

About the role

We are a rapidly growing company named Fast Company's #2 Most Innovative Beauty Company for 2023. Our mission is to enhance lives through healthy skin, partnering with beauty brands to develop and manufacture products that promote skin health for all. We believe the future of sun care is the future of beauty™.

The Packaging Engineer is responsible for the design, development, testing, and commercialization of primary and secondary packaging solutions for cosmetic and personal care products. This role partners closely with Product Development, Marketing, Quality, Supply Chain, and external suppliers to deliver innovative, functional, sustainable, and cost-effective packaging that meets brand aesthetics, regulatory requirements, and manufacturing capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop primary and secondary packaging components such as bottles, jars, tubes, pumps, caps, droppers, compacts, cartons, and labels for cosmetic products
• Collaborate with Product Development and Marketing to translate brand, consumer, and formula requirements into technically sound packaging solutions
• Lead packaging feasibility assessments, specifications, and timelines from concept through commercialization
• Conduct and oversee packaging testing including compatibility, stability, transport, drop, compression, leakage, and line trials
• Support qualification and onboarding of new packaging materials, components, and suppliers
• Identify and implement cost-saving, sustainability, and performance improvement opportunities
• Ensure packaging designs comply with applicable regulatory, sustainability, and quality standards (e.g., FDA, ISO, ASTM, sustainability guidelines)
• Develop and maintain packaging specifications, drawings, BOMs, and technical documentation
• Provide technical support during manufacturing scale-up, validation, and production launch
• Troubleshoot packaging-related issues in manufacturing, filling, and distribution
• Stay current on cosmetic packaging trends, materials, innovations, and sustainability solutions

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
• 2–5+ years of packaging engineering experience, preferably in cosmetics, personal care, or consumer packaged goods (CPG)
• Strong knowledge of cosmetic packaging materials (plastics, glass, aluminum, paperboard) and component functionality
• Experience with packaging testing methods and standards
• Familiarity with cosmetic filling lines and manufacturing processes
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, ArtiosCAD, or similar)
• Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple projects simultaneously

Qualifications

• Experience with sustainable packaging initiatives (recyclability, PCR materials, material reduction)
• Knowledge of global cosmetic regulatory requirements
• Prior experience working directly with overseas packaging suppliers
• Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing experience

Skills

• Technical problem-solving
• Attention to detail
• Effective communication and collaboration
• Innovation mindset
• Results-driven and solutions-oriented

Physical Demands

• Primarily sedentary work performed in an office environment, including extended periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Frequent walking and standing required when working on the production floor, attending meetings, or engaging with customers.
• Exposure to manufacturing environments, which may include noise, dust, temperature variations, and the need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to lift and carry materials such as files, laptops, or lab equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Occasional travel between manufacturing sites or to attend off-site meetings, trainings, or conferences.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.